County's seniors ready for Classic

The planning is finished and the stage is set. On Friday, fifty Washington County high school seniors will converge on North Hagerstown for the inaugural High Rock Roundball Classic all-star showcase.

"I think everybody's excited to get together and play one last time," said Smithsburg boys coach Eric Gerber, who will coach the Team North boys Friday. "(Event organizer) Dave Foltz has done a tremendous job with this. He deserves all the credit. I told the kids they need to search him out and thank him. Hopefully, it's a good time for all involved."

For a $5 general admission fee (children under 5 are admitted free), fans will be treated to a full evening of basketball, with boys and girls games, boys and girls 3-point shootouts and a dunk contest for the county's high flyers. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for one male and one female player in the county, beginning next year, and the scholarship fund for the children of slain correctional officer Jeff Wroten.

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At halftime of both games, fans can participate in the Chick-Fil-A hoop shoot for $2. Contestants will shoot a layup, then a free throw for a chance to shoot a 3-pointer. A made 3 wins a free game of bowling at any Turner's establishment, and a chance to shoot a halfcourt shot. Should a contestant make a halfcourt shot, he or she will win one Chick-Fil-A meal per week for one year.

The Team North boys practiced Saturday; Team South did likewise Tuesday evening. However, don't expect any grandiose play schemes or game plans.

"It's an All-Star game. There's not going to be any set plays," Gerber said. "It's kind of a time for them to have fun. As a coach, my advice to them is share the basketball. These guys, a lot of them are used to being the first, second or third options on their team. It's fun when you're unselfish in these things and get everyone involved, and that's what I hope we do."

"I think it's really a time for them to enjoy themselves and enjoy the experience with their newfound teammates and be honored for their accomplishments," said Heritage Academy coach Mike Kidd, who will lead Team South. "We had one practice and the kids seemed to enjoy (playing with) each other and are looking forward to Friday night."

"I think it's a great opportunity for the seniors to showcase their talents in a less-pressure situation and to play with players they've competed with for the past couple years," Fowkes said. "That's a neat situation, that they get to showcase their talents one last time."